Tampa approves tougher approach to massage parlors

Friday

Jan 12, 2018 at 1:41 PMJan 12, 2018 at 3:21 PM

The Associated Press

TAMPA — Tampa has revised a 1980s ordinance regulating bathhouses to crack down on prostitution in massage parlors.

The city council unanimously agreed to impose a permit process including strict rules for any massage parlor offering bathing, a common precursor to sex acts. Anyone operating a bath house without a permit can face penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The Tampa Bay Times reports some advocates for sex workers are opposed, while others hail the measure as helpful in the fight against human trafficking. City officials are promising that any sex workers caught in a crackdown will be protected.